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Maki Cook Ruiz

April 2, 1968 ~ February 24, 2019 (age 50)

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Maki…appropriately named after a Japanese tree known as Podocarpus. You see, there are many types of Maki trees, each beautiful in their own way. Some grow straight and tall, some fan out, and others are a series of shrubs that grow layer upon layer, ornately into the horizon. The name is fitting, as there were many layers to our beloved Maki.

Maki had a zest for life, and a smile that lit up a room. Honestly, her smile was electric, and people have always been drawn to her. But aside from that smile and striking beauty, Maki had a beautiful mind and unparalleled talent. She had an insane love of books, art, and music. She was a Lego-building extraordinaire. Maki was a uniquely gifted seamstress and could crochet absolutely anything. When it came to arts and crafts, Maki could literally make something out of nothing. She had a flair for fashion and style. And, of course, she was a connoisseur of anything Eiffel Tower! It may be cliché to say that there was nobody quite like Maki, but in her case, it is absolutely true. Maki was truly one of a kind.

As you know, Maki fought the brave fight. Few of us will ever have to battle as long and as hard as Maki did, and even fewer of us would be able to do it with such grace. Instead of complaining, Maki used the lemons she was given to make lemonade. Her long locks were replaced with a short, sassy hairdo, which she embraced and made her own with splashes of wild colors and fun headpieces. Even in illness, Maki was ever the fashionista! And at the height of her illness, Maki remained independent and strong-willed. She was the definition of resilient.

On February, 24, 2019, the light that was Maki faded, and she was allowed to transition into the afterlife, adding an angel to the heavens. Maki left behind countless friends, a loving family and fiancé, and her beloved nephew, Nathan. She was admired by so many. And while the immediate response is to mourn, as our eyes well with tears and our hearts ache for her, we must not forget to celebrate Maki’s amazing life. After all, she would have wanted it that way.

...Family in the care of Erin Arteaga, Funeral Director

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